Tesla recalls nearly 13,000 U.S. vehicles over battery power-loss risk

Tesla faces a major recall in the U.S.

Tesla is recalling 12,963 vehicles in the United States after identifying a defect in a battery-pack contactor that uses an InTiCa solenoid, which can open unexpectedly and cause a sudden loss of propulsion.

The recall affects both 2025 Model 3 sedans and 2026 Model Y SUVs, which may experience an unexpected power failure while driving.

According to Reuters, NHTSA stated that the defect increases the risk of a crash because drivers may lose the ability to accelerate. Tesla assured that repairs will be handled at no cost to owners.

The heart of the problem lies in the battery

The recall stems from a faulty battery-pack contactor solenoid made by supplier InTiCa. This small part can open unexpectedly due to a poor connection at the coil termination, resulting in an abrupt loss of propulsion.

Tesla explained that if the solenoid fails while driving, the car can suddenly lose power, forcing the driver to pull over. If the issue occurs while the car is parked, it may fail to shift into Drive. Tesla’s filing attributes the failure to a poor coil-termination connection in the solenoid.

What drivers may experience on the road

Car and Driver explained that the faulty solenoid can trigger a visual warning on the infotainment screen, asking drivers to pull over safely. However, there’s no prior alert before the power loss occurs, which raises safety concerns for drivers.

If the issue happens while driving at high speed, the car could suddenly lose propulsion, creating a potential hazard on busy roads. If propulsion is lost, the vehicle displays a warning instructing the driver to pull over safely.

Thousands of cars affected across models

The recall includes 5,038 Model 3 sedans and 7,925 Model Y SUVs, per Car and Driver. All affected Model 3s are from the 2025 model year, while the Model Ys belong to the 2026 lineup, indicating the recent nature of this issue.

This defect affects vehicles manufactured between March and August 2025, a period that the build window listed in NHTSA 25V690 spans from March 8 to August 12 (Model 3) and from March 15 to August 15, 2025 (Model Y). The affected batch illustrates how a single component error can propagate throughout an entire production cycle.

No crashes or injuries have been reported

According to Reuters, Tesla stated that as of October 7, there were no known collisions, injuries, or fatalities tied to the battery defect. The company identified the issue early through data tracking and customer warranty feedback.

Engineers identified 36 warranty claims and 26 field reports related to this specific defect. These reports played a crucial role in identifying the failure as originating from the problematic solenoid and triggering the recall before any harm could occur.

Tesla’s quick response to the recall

As reported by Autoblog, Tesla will replace the faulty battery pack contactor free of charge at authorized service centers nationwide. Owners of the affected cars will receive instructions directly from Tesla on how to schedule repair appointments.

The automaker assured customers that the new components will come from thoroughly tested production batches. This move demonstrates Tesla’s intention to restore trust through transparency and prompt corrective action.

When owners can expect notifications

According to Car and Driver, Tesla notified its stores and service centers about the recall starting October 15, 2025. The company plans to mail owner notification letters by December 9, 2025, detailing repair procedures and timelines.

While waiting for official contact, owners can check the NHTSA recall website to confirm if their VIN is included. This proactive step helps drivers stay informed and ensures they can schedule service as soon as appointments open.

Free repair over software patch

Unlike past fixes done through over-the-air software updates, Tesla is handling this recall through physical repairs, according to Autoblog. This defect requires physical replacement of the pack contactors rather than an over-the-air update.

The choice signals Tesla’s recognition that this is a hardware issue, not a coding problem. By opting for a mechanical repair, the automaker reinforces its commitment to lasting solutions rather than temporary digital fixes.

NHTSA takes safety concerns seriously

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed the recall after Tesla shared internal data and field findings about the power loss risk. The agency’s oversight ensures that automakers handle such defects swiftly and transparently.

This recall also coincides with an NHTSA investigation into 2.9 million Tesla vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving capabilities, according to Reuters. That broader investigation underscores regulators’ continued focus on Tesla’s vehicle safety systems.

Recall adds pressure to Tesla’s leadership

The recall comes during a turbulent time for Elon Musk’s electric vehicle company. Reuters noted that Tesla already faces mounting scrutiny from Congress and U.S. regulators over its driver assistance technology.

With financial results due soon, this recall complicates Tesla’s efforts to project stability and maintain investor confidence. The company must now balance safety accountability with its image as an innovation leader.

Contactor solenoid supplier identified

Tesla’s filing cites InTiCa (solenoid) and a related contactor supply chain; the remedy replaces contactors that do not use the InTiCa solenoid.

This malfunction can cause the car to lose propulsion suddenly and without warning. When power loss occurs, the infotainment screen displays a visual alert and instructions to pull over.

How to check if your Tesla is recalled

Tesla owners can confirm whether their car is affected by visiting the company’s recall lookup tool or the NHTSA website. Entering the vehicle’s 17-digit VIN will reveal its recall status.

Once identified, Tesla urges owners to schedule repairs promptly to ensure continued safety. The company also clarified that affected cars remain drivable until service is completed, provided no warning messages appear.

Why this recall matters for safety

Reuters stated that the battery defect could raise the risk of crashes due to sudden power loss while driving. Even though Tesla’s safety ratings remain high, this issue demonstrates the fragility of advanced EV hardware systems.

Because electric vehicles rely on complex electronic components, a single faulty connection can disrupt major functions. It’s a reminder that cutting-edge technology still demands rigorous testing and oversight.

Tesla’s ongoing recalls and reviews

This year has seen several major Tesla recalls addressing software and hardware malfunctions, according to Reuters. Earlier cases involved rearview cameras, steering components, and software calibration errors.

Frequent recalls highlight how quickly EV technology evolves, sometimes revealing unforeseen issues. Each fix adds lessons for Tesla and the broader auto industry about managing innovation safely.

Tesla and Rivian say AI can improve road safety — but how close are we to real-world results? Share your thoughts below.

Broader context for Tesla’s recall

According to Autoblog, Tesla recently introduced lower-priced versions of the Model 3 and Model Y to attract budget-conscious drivers. These affordable trims were expected to help boost sales across North America.

However, the recall’s timing could challenge Tesla’s public image as it competes with brands like Rivian and Ford. Restoring consumer confidence will be crucial as the EV market grows increasingly crowded.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.